Santa Monica Planning Commissioners expressed concerns about the inclusion of housing at the city-owned airport site during a heated debate Tuesday night. The 192-acre property is set to close in 2028, and three competing visions for its future have emerged.
The commissioners questioned how housing would generate revenue to support park operations, water usage, and existing developments around the area. Commissioner Shawn Landres argued that the city should present multiple scenarios that comply with Measure LC, a voter initiative restricting airport development to parks and recreation uses.
Landres also raised concerns about coordinating with Los Angeles on zoning issues and warned against incompatible uses like waste management facilities near residential areas. He emphasized the need for appealing housing options without foreclosing production.
Commissioner Leslie Lambert praised staff’s work while acknowledging the challenge of housing in the proposal. She pressed for clarity on how housing would be presented to voters, including first-time homebuyer programs or social housing.
Historical context was also brought up by Commissioner Nina Fresco, noting that airport bonds passed in 1926 because residents expected aviation revenue to fund operations without burdening taxpayers. She contrasted this with failed contemporary bond measures for parkland that required direct public funding.
Commissioner Josh Hamilton pressed for detailed financial breakdowns showing which elements would generate income versus expenses. He argued that affordable housing alone wouldn’t generate significant income without market-rate units to subsidize it.
The project is in its earliest stages, and the examples presented are far from final. Staff emphasized that the aim is to gauge community preferences on specific elements rather than requiring residents to choose one complete package.
Public input through the city’s CoMap survey tool remains open until June 22, with results scheduled for City Council review on July 8. The project faces complex legal hurdles, including requirements for voter approval to override Measure LC.
A preferred scenario will be developed in Fall 2025 following community input and City Council direction, with Environmental Impact Report proceedings to follow in 2026. The timeline aims to have development plans ready before the airport’s possible closure on December 31, 2028.
Source: https://smdp.com/business/real-estate-housing/airport-debates-takes-off-at-planning-commission